LETTER: Central sports complexes needed

Kayla HeadTuscaloosa

Published: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 8:07 p.m.

Dear Editor: I am a student attending the University of Alabama, but I was born and raised in Montgomery. I would like to state that it would be a mistake for the city and county to go against the idea of large, central sports complexes in the city, and I am disgusted that the topic was tabled.

In Montgomery, Mayor Todd Strange is focused on improving the city, especially the sports complexes. Thanks to Mayor Strange, a football stadium, the Cramton Bowl, was rebuilt to offer amazing improvements. My hometown also has the Emory Folmar Soccer Fields, an amazing facility that brings in revenue, as well as offering youths a place to play so that parents don’t have to drive to alternative cities.

Leaders in Tuscaloosa County need to consider the repercussions of not proceeding with this idea, which would be a terrible mistake. I understand that residents would like smaller facilities closer to their homes. That is completely understandable, but the city would gain more from central complexes. For example, Montgomery will now host a college football bowl game, which will undeniably bring in revenue for the city. Think about what large, central complexes would do for Tuscaloosa, which is already becoming better known. Think about the future, not the initial cost or short-term profits of other options.

I grew up hearing that our youth are the future. Well, let’s give our youth a future to look forward to. Stop postponing and improve this city!

<p>Dear Editor: I am a student attending the University of Alabama, but I was born and raised in Montgomery. I would like to state that it would be a mistake for the city and county to go against the idea of large, central sports complexes in the city, and I am disgusted that the topic was tabled. </p><p>In Montgomery, Mayor Todd Strange is focused on improving the city, especially the sports complexes. Thanks to Mayor Strange, a football stadium, the Cramton Bowl, was rebuilt to offer amazing improvements. My hometown also has the Emory Folmar Soccer Fields, an amazing facility that brings in revenue, as well as offering youths a place to play so that parents don't have to drive to alternative cities.</p><p>Leaders in Tuscaloosa County need to consider the repercussions of not proceeding with this idea, which would be a terrible mistake. I understand that residents would like smaller facilities closer to their homes. That is completely understandable, but the city would gain more from central complexes. For example, Montgomery will now host a college football bowl game, which will undeniably bring in revenue for the city. Think about what large, central complexes would do for Tuscaloosa, which is already becoming better known. Think about the future, not the initial cost or short-term profits of other options.</p><p>I grew up hearing that our youth are the future. Well, let's give our youth a future to look forward to. Stop postponing and improve this city!</p>